Fansided

5 candidates to replace Avery Johnson at Alabama

By Brad Berreman

AMES, IA - MARCH 9: Head coach Steve Prohm of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the bench in the first half of play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hilton Coliseum on March 9, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - MARCH 9: Head coach Steve Prohm of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the bench in the first half of play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hilton Coliseum on March 9, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: David K Purdy/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: David K Purdy/Getty Images /

1.  Steve Prohm

Immediately after the news of a buyout being worked on with Johnson, Prohm surfaced as the top candidate to step in. A 1997 graduate of Alabama, he just completed his fourth season at Iowa State with a 23-12 record and a first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament. Over four seasons in Ames, Prohm is 83-53 with two Big 12 tournament titles and three NCAA Tournament bids. Prior to that, Prohm went 104-29 over four seasons a Murray State.

After Friday night’s 62-59 loss to Ohio State, Prohm was asked about the Alabama speculation. To no surprise, he tried to shut down the talk.

"There’s nothing to say, man,” Prohm said. “I want to be the best coach at Iowa State. That’s it. I mean, my AD (Jamie Pollard is) right there, he knows that. I love this job. I’m blessed to be the head coach here, first and foremost. I love Ames. There is no story. I’m trying to be the best head coach at Iowa State and see if I can be here for a long, long time."

Athletic director Jamie Pollard went a bit further, telling the media no one from Alabama had made contact looking for permission to speak to Prohm.

"No, nobody,” “And I don’t expect there will be, because Coach Prohm’s going to be our coach. “Steve is a great man. He’s a great fit for Iowa State. We have a great collection of head coaches and he’s one of ‘em. He knows where he’s really wanted, and I’m not spending any time worrying about it."

At the point Prohm had to address the Alabama rumors, it had been roughly 24 hours from the initial report Johnson would be leaving and the buyout was not official, so any attempt to sort of deny he’d consider going to his alma mater meant little. Particularly in terms of the school not having asked permission to talk to him, that should change soon if it hasn’t already.

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Until further notice, Prohm will be the top candidate for the Alabama job. It would not be surprising if he’s No. 1 on Byrne’s list, with a proverbial or implied “right of first refusal” before other options are seriously considered.